Mills is one Astros’ constant in an offseason of makeover

Since Lance Berkman and the Cardinals won the World Series, the Astros have undergone a facelift that may turn into a complete makeover over the next 12 months.

New owner, Jim Crane. Check.

Hire President George Postolos. Check.

Fire Tal Smith. Check.

Fire GM Ed Wade, hire replacement Jeff Luhnow. Check.

Fire bench coach Al Pedrique. Hire replacement Joe Pettini. Check.

Make first trade (Melancon for Lowrie). Check.

Hire Sig Mejdal, Director of Decision Services. Check.

Pam Gardner resigns. Check.

With the new direction, new ideas and new philosophy, the newness brought no change to the manager’s chair. The choice of Drayton McLane and Ed Wade to help steer the Astros back to respectability got the stamp of approval — at least for the near future — from the Astros’ new management team.

In every business, a new owner or executive chooses to keep some of the old guard. Carefully selecting some of the leadership to bridge the transition is a smart move. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that someone like Mills will get a chance to be the bridge from the old to the new. Whether Crane and Postolos determine that Mills is the long-term answer or right choice for the rebuilding project may become evident sooner than later.

Perhaps the better question is this: Will the new ownership and influence of the change in philosophy change Mills?

It’s possible that he will feel more comfortable in the Red Sox-like environment that factors in a more modern theories, reasoning and stability. It’s likely that the streamlined leadership will also provide a more focused communication of the game plan and goals.

Since Mills became manager, the organization has been in a constant state of change. When the team transitioned from Cecil Cooper to Mills, McLane had already made up his mind to sell the club, Roy Oswalt was unhappy with the direction and young players like Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn were approaching bigger paydays. Stop gap measures like Brett Myers, Clint Barmes and the lack of ready-for-prime-time players in the system posed a stacked deck for Mills.

Excuses? Absolutely not, since Mills is charged to make the best of the hand dealt. But it’s clear the hand was not sufficient to provide consistent, productive progress.

Now, with a blueprint, a more systematic routine and much of the uncertainty (read: sale of the club, erratic budget, etc.), Mills should be able to function in a more dependable environment.

Whether the Astros improve this season will not entirely depend on Mills’ progress in his third year as manager. But his involvement in the development of younger players while navigating the relationships with the handful of veterans and clubhouse continuity must provide the framework and foundation for Astros’ new frontier. And, since Mills is in the final year of his contract (with an option for 2013), it will be Mills’ defining moment.

So, assuming that every new business owner keeps some of the old guard, did the Astros keep the right guy? Do you believe he will be the Astros’ manager in their first year in the American League (2013)? Should Mills be concerned that Luhnow brought in his guy as bench coach (Joe Pettini)?

Finally, the question of the day: Will the new ownership and influence of the change in philosophy change Mills?